Low-carbon aluminium key ingredient for Japan’s growth
(Posted on 28/10/21)
En+ Group, together with its metals segment, RUSAL, has published research that stresses the critical role of low carbon aluminium as a part of Japan’s Green Growth Strategy, underpinning the green energy transition and the further evolution of the circular economy.
Drawing on market data, the paper shows a projected 20% increase in demand for aluminium semis from businesses in Japan between 2020 and 2025. While Japan benefits from almost 100% recycling rates for cast aluminium products, primary aluminium will still be required to meet more than 50% of forecast demand. The paper warned that the high energy intensity of aluminium production means raw materials imported into Japan can have vastly different embedded emissions based on the power sources used. Primary aluminium produced using renewable energy, for example, can have an emissions intensity of less than 4 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of aluminium (tCO2/tAl) (Scope 1&2) compared to a global average of 12.6 tCO2/tAl (Scope 1&2),
Researchers for En+ Group advise Japanese industry of the necessity to create ‘cradle to gate’ partnerships that pull through low carbon aluminium products, whilst supporting research and development, design for sustainability and circularity, and investment in low carbon innovations.
In addition, the paper proposes the government consider the use of foreign development funding to support low-carbon supply chains for Japanese businesses, whilst extending the existing emission-linked import duties to materials that include high volumes of coal or oil during production.
Commenting on the research, Steve Hodgson, International Sales Director of RUSAL, said:
“Japanese manufacturers under pressure to reduce their climate impacts have the opportunity to source aluminium with significantly lower embedded emissions. At the same time, the simple act of requiring emissions disclosure against a common global framework will further enhance confidence in aluminium as the material of choice in a carbon constrained future.”
En+ Group is the world’s leading international vertically integrated aluminium and power producer. The Company combines power plants with a total installed capacity of 19.6 GW (including 15.1 GW of hydro power assets), and 3.9 mt of annual aluminium production capacity (through a controlling stake in RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium producer ex-China in 2018) which is the major consumer of En+ Group’s hydroelectricity
Latest News
NGFA applauds reintroduction of HAULS Act
(Posted on 24/12/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has applauded Senator Deb. Fischer’s (R-Neb.) reintroduction... Read more
Anglo American and Teck receive approval for merger of equals
(Posted on 18/12/25)Anglo American plc and Teck Resources Limited have received regulatory approval from the Government... Read more
Rhodes Ridge $191m feasibility study on Pilbara iron ore mine
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $191 million (A$294 million) (Rio Tinto share $96 million... Read more
Strong metals trading as Trafigura publishes annual results
(Posted on 09/12/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a global leader in the commodities industry, has announced its financial results... Read more
Rio Tinto’s Nuton technology produces first copper
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto has successfully produced the first copper from the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona using its... Read more
US soy and Uzbekistan sign MoU to expand trade
(Posted on 02/12/25)The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health programme and the... Read more
KNAC and Rio Tinto sign updated agreement
(Posted on 02/12/25)Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto... Read more
OCI Global announces sale of OCI Ammonia Holding to AGROFERT
(Posted on 02/12/25)OCI Global, a leading global producer and distributor of nitrogen products has announced that it has... Read more
Court of Appeal confirms permit for new steel plant in Luleå
(Posted on 24/11/25)In December 2024, SSAB was granted a permit by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District... Read more
Simandou partners celebrate start of operations
(Posted on 15/11/25)The President of the Republic of Guinea has joined project partners WCS1, Baowu, Chinalco and Rio Tinto... Read more
